Torpedo launching rack



Arf-N v May s, 1956 Filed April 24, 1953 C. G. BUCK TORFEIDO LAUNCHING RACK 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 N R CLARENGE 6. BUCK ATTORNEYS May 8, 1956 Filed April 24, 1953 c. G. BUCK 2,744,486

TORPEDO LAUNCHING RACK 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 f3 l a l @1 ff i (C) il? y t" & g

INVENTOR. i GLARENGE 6., BUCK L BY 9. 06M

04C TTORNE YS May 8, 1956 c. G. BUCK TQRPED LAUNCHING RACK Filed April 24, 1953 4 Sheets-Shea?I 5 IN VEN TOR.

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A 7 T0 RNE YS n vk l N ml u May 8, 1956 c.`G. BUCK 2,744,486

ToRPEDo LAUNCHING RACK Filed April 24, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

@LME/V05 6. aua/r a9( a/XAo-b ATTORNEYS Unitedv States Patent() The inventiondescribed herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States ice y liable automatic mechanism, remotely operated, for launching torpedoes from high-speed motor torpedo boats.

of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

The present invention relates to the art of launching torpedoes from surface operating naval vessels and is concerned more particularly with an automatic remotelycontrolled torpedo launching rack assembly.

The striking power of a high-speed motor torpedo boat, more commonly referred to as a PT boat, depends largely upon the effectiveness, disposition and operability of its torpedo delivery power. The accuracy of torpedo delivery is dependent, in large measure, on the torpedo launching timing cycle, and the unimpeded launching operation within the zone of operation.A

Conventional compressed air propulsion tubes with the attendant heavy compressor and auxiliary apparatus required for'launching torpedoes is necessarily dispensed with to attain the highly desirable maneuverability and speed of the PT boat. Complete operating dependability isl essential for the hard, fast striking, high-speed motor boat which mustdischarge its load charge with split second timing upon approaching the target and quickly withdraw from the target area after torpedo delivery.

Attempts have been made to use spaced chocks or wedges along the torpedo periphery and then remove the chocks as the motor boat approached the target. It has been found impossible to attain the desired simultaneous removal of the chocks along the torpedo body which results, inevitably, is a skewed or oblique delivery. The attendant disadvantages of this launching system of operation are obvious to those familiar with the art of launching torpedoes from a motor torpedo boat. The disadvantages encountered in temperate zones of operation are magnied greatly in frigid zones where ice formation has rendered prior apparatus useless. v

,Heretoforethe area of operation for PT boats has been restrictedl principally to` temperate zones, however, mechanical functioning must be assured even in frigid zones. In normal operation sea spray willcover the vital operating mechanism and subject the various mechanical elements to the deleterious effects of a salt bath. Furthermore, operation in frigid zones causes the sea spray to freeze on the operating mechanism thereby rendering the mechanical operating linkages. inoperative. Beforey operating the devices of the prior art, a tedious and dangerous task of de-icing the operating mechanism was necessary, which, nevertheless, did not guarantee proper functioning.

The torpedo launchingrack of this invention is adaptable particularlyto arming the PT boat which has the desirably low freeboarddesign permitting torpedo launching from the low deck surface providing unimpeded delivery to the sea below. However, thev simplicity of design and operation of the torpedo launching rack assembly as well as its compactness makes this apparatus readily mountable on other vessels'by securing the launching rack on an appropriate platform. A An object of this invention isy the attainment ofvr a re- A further object of this invention is to provide an alternate manually operated torpedo launching mechanism as an auxiliary mechanism to the automatic release for releasing the torpedo from the torpedo rack.

A further object of this invention is to permit the torpedos own weight to facilitate the launching operation by rolling from the launching rack by gravity unobstructed and constantly maintaining a substantially parallel relationship with the sea surface.

Another object of this novel apparatus is to provide a control cable cutting apparatus sequentially operable within the launching cycle to sever the electrical control cable after the torpedo mechanism is actuated.

Another object of this invention is to actuate sequenti ally the Various phases of the launching mechanism preliminary to the torpedo discharge.

Broadly considered, the apparatus of the present invention undertakes to actuate and launch sequentially an Y electrically set torpedo by means of an electrohydraulic mechanism. Upon receiving the signal to launch the torpedo from the remote re control station, after the internal torpedo mechanism isset to function, a hydraulically actuated control cable cutter severs the control cable, thereafter, the automatic chock release mechanism simultaneously releases the torpedo retaining chocks and the torpedo securing cables which retain the torpedo on an inclined ramp preparatory for torpedo launching. The remotely controlled electrohydraulic release mechanism is interconnected with a manually operated release mechanism, and each mechanism is independently capable of actuating the torpedo release mechanism. Since the chock actuating and cable release mechanisms are intercon-v nected by common release elements the torpedo release v is assured inthe event the hydraulic release system fails to operate. After the control cable is cut and the chocks and securing cables are released, the torpedo is free to roll from the ramp unobstructed into the sea below and in a direction toward the target.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionkwhen considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. l shows a perspective view, partially in section, of a torpedo launching rack assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; y

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional View of one of the cable checking and releasing mechanisms illustrated in Fig. l; l

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the plane of line 3 3 of Fig. l of the securing cable take-up assembly; v

Fig. 4 is a reduced perspective view showing an exercise cable securing the torpedo in the cradle housing and a springlatch restraining axial displacement;

Fig. 5 is a detailed side view, partly in section, of the manual release mechanism of Fig. l;

Fig. 6 illustrates an elevational view of thetorpedo control cable cutter;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the components of part of the hydraulic system; and

Fig. 8 shows a sequential schedule of operation for the various actuating mechanism components.

In order to promote an understanding of the invention a preferred embodiment thereof is illustrated in the drawings and specific language is employed to describe the same. Since identical torpedo supporting and launching racks are duplicated at spaced intervals along the vessel deck and 'eachcomplete rack assembly may be operated independently from the other racks it will be necessary Patented May 8, 1956` to describe but one complete unit. inasmuch as the individual launching mechanism components are duplicated essentially at spaced intervals along the torpedo rack, only one of the components will be described in detail.

The torpedo launching rack as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is shown prepared to launch a torpedo that is saddled in the receiving cradle housings 21 (Figs. 2 and 4) which are axially spaced along the cylindrical surface of the tor pedo 20 and perpendicular to the torpedo axis within the arcuate cradle recess 22. The cradle housings are designed to envelop a substantial portion of the torpedo periphery at spaced cradle housing intervals. Each cradle housing 21 is securely fastened to the base frame 23 (Figs 2 and 4)' which is anchored to the deck of a vessel but may be rigidly mounted or suspended from a platform of a vessel. A waterproof baffle plate and ramp 24 spaced above frame 23 is inclined from the horizontal and supports a short arc of the torpedo periphery. The ramp 24 serves as part of the enclosure to house the torpedo launching mechanism 25 thereby protecting the mechanism against the harmful effects of water, particularly during operation in frigid zones. The cradle housings 21 and ramp 24 form a watertight housing to enclose completely the operating mechanism 25 which actuates the chock and securing cable release assembly 26 thereby releasing the torpedo 20 from the ramp 24.

Each cradle housing 21 is rigidly maintained perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torpedo 20 by the torpedo ramp 24 and the cradle housing bar 27 securely mounted near the top of each cradle housing 21. The torpedo ramp 24 is inclined sufficiently to provide a suitable runway enabling the torpedo to roll by gravity unobstructed when released from the cradle housings. Mounting the ramp 24 at an angle of l5 degrees from the horizontal has been found to give the requisite rolling momentum to the torpedo when it is released. The ramp 24 tangentially engages the inner periphery of the cradle housing 21 to form a base support for the torpedo as it is accommodated within the cradle housing 21.

Parallel elongated chock receiving apertures 28 spaced along the ramp 24 in line with each cradle housing 21l admit arcuate chocks 29, which engage the torpedo periphery and wedgedly engage it into the cradle housing 21 thereby continuing the retaining arc formed about the torpedo periphery by the cradle housing 21, and the ramp 24.

Each arcuate chock 29 is pivotally mounted beneath the cradle housing 21 and the ramp 24 about a chock stub shaft 30 which is affixed to the side wall of the cradle housing 21. A chock lever arm 31 projecting beyond and integral with the arcuate chock 29 pivots the chock 29 about chock stub shaft 30 to urge the chock 29 into the upright position when engaged by the spring loaded chock cylinder assembly 32. Each spring loaded chock cylinder assembly 32 is securely fastened to the base frame 23 by a iianged clevis and pin joint 33. The cylindrical housing for the assembly 32 forms an enclosure for the chock springs 34, chock spring guide and connecting piston rod 35, and the spring retaining piston 36 all cooperating to urge the chock 29 through the piston rod and the chock lever arm 31 into an upright position to wedge the positioned torpedo into the cradle housing 21, as shown in Figs. l and 2.

Recessed within the outer periphery of the sector shaped chock 29 is the chock cam surface 37 which when engaged by the chock release cam maintains the arcuate chock 29 in the upright position as shown in Figs. l and 2. Provision is made to mount slidably adjustable hardened wear plates 38 Within the recess 39 on the chock 29 for adjusting the chock cam surface 37 which engages with the chock release cam 40.

Within the enclosure formed by the cradle housing 21 the ramp 24 and the frame 23, the chock release cam 40 pivots in a counterclockwise direction about the chock release cam stub shaft 43 which is fastened to a side wall of the cradle housing 21. A chock engaging arm or first arm 41 registers within the chock cam surface 37 as the chock release cam 40 is rotated about the release cam stub shaft 43 to engage the chock 29 and pivot it in a counterclockwise direction to wedge the chock in the upright position as shown in Fig. 2. A cam actuated scar 44 with projecting scar arm 50 locks the chock release cam 40 in the chock cam surface 37 thereby preventing the release cam 40 from becoming disengaged from the chock cam surface 37 prior to the conditioned actuation of the scar 44 despite the load exerted upon the chock 29 by the torpedo 20. A second or chock disengaging arm 42 extending radially on the chock release cam 40 at a predetermined angle from the chock engaging arm 41, when engaged by the projecting sear arm 50 pivots the release cam 40 in a clockwise direction and removes the first arm 41 of the chock release cam 40 from within the chock cam surface 37 thereby permitting the weight of the torpedo 20 to depress the chock 29 against the pressure of the spring assembly 32 and roll by the force of gravity from the ramp 24 over the side of the vessel into the sea below.

The cam actuating sear and spring loaded securing cable release assembly 45 is located beneath the ramp 24 and releasably holds the securing cable 46. The cam actuating sear 44 is mounted on the oscillating shaft 47 through the spline 48, as shown in Fig. 2, and actuates the chock release cam 40 and the cable securing release sleeve 49. Laterally projecting from the sear 44 is a sear arm made to cooperatively engage the arms 41, 42 of the chock release cam 40 when the shaft 47 makes one complete oscillation. The base of the cable release sleeve 49 engages the flat camming surface 51 on the sear 44 which is parallel to the projecting scar arm 50 and affords a level base for the securing cable release sleeve 49. An arcuate cam sector 52 on the Sear 44 is designed to elevate the sleeve 49 upon counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 47 thereby releasing the securing cable 46. The torpedo securing cable 46 is securely mounted within the cable releasing tip 53 as by swaging or welding. A cylindrical boss 54 welded to the underside of the inclined ramp 24 is bored to slidably retain the internally grooved cylindrical securing cable release sleeve 49 positioned to slide within the bore of the boss below the inclined ramp 24. The cylindrical sleeve 49 is sealed at the end which engages the at sear surface 51 on the sear 44. An internal circumferential groove 55 within the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical sleeve 49 is adaptable for receiving a series of spherical cable locking balls 56 laterally displaceable and slidable within the circumferential groove 55. A coil spring S7 enclosed within the cylindrical sleeve 49 urges the ball retaining disk 58 which supports the laterally displaceable series of spherical balls 56 away from the internal groove 55 on the cylindrical sleeve 49 and into the circumferential groove 59 on the cable releasing tip 53.

Upon rotation of the shaft 47 in a counterclockwise direction through a 90 degree arc the cylindrical sleeve 49 will be raised from the flat sear surface 51 on the sear 44 by the arcuate cam sector 52 thereby compressing the spring 57 within the recess of the cylindrical sleeve 49 retaining the series of balls 56 in the groove 59 on the cable tip 53. The cylindrical sleeve 49 is displaced within the sleeve guideway 60 a suicient distance so that the internal groove 55 on the sleeve 49 may be aligned with the groove 59 on the cable tip 53 thereby permitting the balls 56 to shift laterally from the former position Within the groove 59 of the tip 53 to the groove 55 in the sleeve 49 assisted by the action of the spring 57 and the incline of the arc within the groove 59 of the tip 53. Upon shifting of the balls 56 from within the groove 59 on the securing cable tip 53 to the groove 55 within the cylindrical sleeve 49 the securing cable tip 53 is released from the spring loaded securing cable release assembly 45. Rotation of the sear 44 in a counterclockwise direction also releases the chock releasing cam 40 in timed relation from the chock cam surface 37 as the sear arm 50 engages the second arm 42 of the chock release cam 40.

The ilangedV configuration of the cable tip 61 which engages the upper surface of the ramp 24 in the locked position prevents water from entering into the loperating mechanism.

The securing cable 46 encircles the torpedo 20 and retains it within the cradle housing 21 by maintaining the cable taut when locked in the spring loaded securing cable release assembly 45 and tensioned by the spring loaded locking and tension assembly V62. Mounted within each cradle housing 21 to prevent the torpedo 20 from becoming dislodged on the ramp 24 is a spring loaded locking and tension assembly 62 or a securing cable take-up mechanism to which the securing cable 46 is yieldably retained. This securing cable take-up mechanism assembly is held within the cradle housing 21 by the stub shaft 63 protruding laterally from the assembly sides. The take-up mechanism frame 64 has a suitable guideway 65 enabling the centrally positioned slidable spring loaded cable retaining cylinder 66 to be displaced longitudinally within the frame 64 as the retaining cylinder 66 is manually displaced by the handle 67 which is aixed to the slidable retaining cylinder 66 and the eccentric detent -68 as it is operated through the detent lever handle 69. Within the cylindrical cavity 70 of the retaining cylinder 65 a coil spring 71 encircles securing cable spindle 72 which is securely fastened to the securing cable 46 as by swaging or Welding. The spindle '72 is threadedly engaged by the adjusting nut 73 on the spindle end which is within the cylindrical cavity 70. A piston disk 74 slidable within the cavity 70 and attached to the spindle 72 Vcompresses the spindle encircling coil spring 71 when the cable is taut. Tension on the securing cable 46 is made adjustable by the adjusting nut 73 on the spindle 72.

Forward locking abutment 75 and release abutment 76 limit the travel of the piston disk 74 within the cylindrical cavity 70. The head end 77 of the cylinder 65 is internally threaded to receive the plug 78 which is removable in order to provide access to the adjusting pinion 85 on a shaft 47 is reciprocated through a bifurcated linkage 86 by one of two independent'mechanisms: one is automatically operated by a remotely controlled hydraulic cylinder 87, the other is a manual operating mechanism 88 for manually operating the release linkage. Manual operation for the torpedo launching is to be used when the automatically operated hydraulic cylinder fails to function properly and for training purposes. A common link 89 is pivotally connected to the rack 84 at a point intermediate of the link ends, and each end of the common link 89 is associated with one section of the bifurcated linkage 86.

The linkage section associated with the manual operating mechanism 38 is actuated from a foot treadle operated plunger 91 through the swivel link 92 to the common link 89 to slide the rack 84 linearly. A foot pedal release handle 93 swingably linked to a flange 94, fixed to a bulkhead or other stationary object, has a pivotal projection 95 which engages the plunger 91 through a sleeve boss 96 which serves as a bearing surface for the plunger 91. The pivotal projection 95 cooperatively engages a recess 97 (Fig. 5) within the plunger 91 at the base of the boss 96 to lock the manual operating mechanism section of the bifurcated operating linkage 86 in the ready position. The foot treadle 98 is pivoted within the supporting frame 99 and engages Y the plunger securing pin 106. As the release handle 93 nut 73 on the spindle 72. Suilicient tension in the securing cable 46 is maintained when the cable is', wrapped about the torpedo periphery by changing the adjusting nut position. The displacement of the piston disk 74, spring 71 and spindle 72 provided within the cylindrical cavity 70 is suliicient to remove completely the release cable tip 53 from the securing cable release assembly 45 when the assembly is conditioned for removal by the scar 44.

Mounted laterally on the take-up mechanism frame 64 is a spring loaded eccentrically mounted detent 68 rotatably secured as by a vset screw on the detent shaft 79 to engage a shoulder 80 on the'slidable retaining cylinder 66 and applies an initial holding tension on the securing cable 46 when pulled bythe take-up mechanism handle 67. Protruding laterally beyond the cradle housing 21, the detent shaft 79 is engaged securely by a detent crank 81 with spring loaded locking handle 69. When the crank 81 is rotated manually inboard through an arc of degrees by means of handle 69, the eccentrically mounted detent 68 exerts pressure against the shoulder S0 to exert a iinal tension on the securing cable 46 and tensioning the detent spring S2 of the spring loaded eccentric detent 68 biasing the detent into the shoulder Si). A spring loaded securing plunger 83 colinear with the axis of the crank handle 69 may slidably engage abutments or holes (not shown) on the side of the cradle housing Z1 to maintain the detent 68 fast against the shoulder 80.

The cam actuating sear 44 is operated `by the shaft oscillating mechanism 25 shown in Fig. l. A rack 84 guided to slide linearly' and cooperativelyen'gag'ed by the is manually raised the projection 95 is withdrawn from within the plunger recess 97, thereafter, application of foot pressure on the foot treadle 98 forces the plunger 9i through the securing pin forward linearly to slide the rack 84 thereby rotating the pinion 85 in a counterclockwise direction, rotating the shaft 47 and the sear 44.

The automatic operation of the torpedo launching mechanism is accomplished by an electrically operated hydraulic unit which supplies iluid under pressure to the hydraulic cylinder 87 thereby forcing a piston rod 101 and swivel link 102 forward which in turn slides the rack 84 forward to rotate the pinion 85 in a counterclockwise direction. The remaining operation will be similar to the manual operation.

When the torpedo 20 is positioned and made secure withinl the cradle housing 21 a torpedo control cable 110 containing the electric iire control leads is connected tothe internal torpedo mechanism from the tire control station which is remotely `positioned from the actuating mechanism. The control cable 110 must be severed from the torpedo after the internal torpedo operating mechanism is actuated. Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a hydraulically operated guillotine-type knife 111 slidable within the housing 112 for linear movement toward the control cable at a predetermined sequence in the launching operation. Upon actuation of the liring mechanism, the sequential cycle to be described hereinafter, hydraulic fluid from the torpedo control cable cutter valve energizes the hydraulically operated cutter mechanism which forces the guillotine-type knife 111 forward to sever the torpedo control cable 110 thereby enabling the torpedo to be subsequently launched unretarded over the ramp 24.

'ln order to ascertain whether the operating torpedo launching mechanism is in proper working order and also to utilize the operating mechanism during trial runs without actually launching the torpedo 20, an exercise cable is mounted on the external part of each cradle housing 21 affording easy access to the operating personnel. An anchor hood 121 is fastened below the ramp 24 to accommodate the lower end of the exercise cable 120 through the exercise cable ring 122. The upper end of the exercise cable is securely fastened to a threaded spindle 123 which engages the threaded coupling 124 through a sleeve externally mounted on the cradle housing support bar 27. Pivotally mounted on the threaded coupling 124 is a crank handle 126 for rotating the coupling 124 onto the threaded spindle 123 in order to apply sufticient tension to the cable 120 to assure torpedo stability when the automatic or manual launching mechanism is tested, The exercise cable 120 provides an added safety factor or feature in the event the firing key 130 is actuated inadvertently. lt is to be understood however that the exercise cable 120 shall be removed when a target is approached thereby relying on the automatic release mechanism to launch the torpedo 20.

End slippage or motion of thc torpedo 2t) usually encountered during periods of acceleration or deceleration of the vessel or during quick turning maneuvers is prevented by a. spring actuated securing latch 115 engaging a lug 116 mounted on the periphery of the torpedo 20. Spaced securing latch supports 117 are fastened to the cradle housing support bar 27. The elongated spring actuated securing latch 115 is recessed to lit the lug 116 projecting from the torpedo Ztl and is urged to engage constantly the lug 116 by a bar and blade engaging spring 113 between bifurcated bar engaging members 119 on the latch 115.

The electrohydraulic release mechanism schematically shown in Figs. 7 and 8 includes a firing key station 130 electrically connected to operate the solenoid valve 131. Hydraulic fluid under pressure from the pump 132 driven by the motor 133 will be admitted to the accumulator 154A wherein suiiicient fluid under pressure supplies the chock and cable release control valve i and the torpedo control cable cutter valve 136 as weil as the remaining elements in the hydraulic system. Closing the tiring key 150 actuates the solenoid valve 131 which in turn functions in the following three stages of operation: (l) the hydraulic switch actuator cylinder 139 operates electric switch 137 which is connected in a primary circuit to a relay transmitter of the fire control system for the purpose of disconnecting the torpedo control circuits E38 prior to launchingv the torpedo 20 (circuit not shown), (2) the torpedo control cable cutter valve 136 for the cable cutting operation, and (3) the chock and cable release control valve 135 for securing cable and chock releasing operation.

Fig. 8 shows a liow pattern of the sequential operation for the electrohydraulic system and a suitable timing cycle for the various component parts. The timing cycle suitable for sequential operation indicates that upon actuation of the tiring key 130 the solenoid valve 131 commences the first operating stage by opening switch actuator 139 to operate switch 137 which actuates the circuit disconnect 133 and completes the iirst phase of operation in 0.30 second. As the solenoid Valve 131 advances to the second stage, hydraulic fluid is admitted to the torpedo control cable cutter valve 136 which will admit fluid to actuate the guillotine-type knife E11 in order to sever the torpedo electric control cable 110 thereby completing the second phase 0.07 second after the torpedo circuit has been disconnected. The final phase of operation is reached as the solenoid valve 1.31 advances to actuate the chock and cable release controlvalve 135 which will admit fluid pressure to the hydraulic cylinder 57 forcing the plunger piston tl forward to slide rack 34 which in turn rotates pinion 85 to actuate the torpedo release mechanism. The final phase of the cycle is completed 0.40 second after the tiring key was initially actuated.

Except for the partially exposed arcuate chocks 29, and the securing cables 46 all the operating mechanism of the launching rack shall be protectively housed inside the cradle housings 21, and beneath the ramp 24. To obtain watertight enclosures, the cradle housings and chocks shall, Where necessary, be provided with suitable watertight gaskets or packing. It is essential that the assembled cradle housing and chocks have n watertight seal when the chocks are set in the upright position to secure the torpedo in position. Since it is desirable that the assembled unit be watertight regardless of the chock positions, protective gaskets 140 are fastened around the elongated apertures 2S below the surface of the ramp 24 to olfer a watertight enclosure when the chocks are depressed, during the time the torpedo rolls from the ramp 24. The watertight enclosure for the operating mechanism may be provided with coil tubing or thin radiators (not shown) installed to provide suiiicient heating surface when using either hot water or ethylene glycol to permit operation under extreme temperature conditions which may range from 20 F. to -{-l35 F.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

l. A launching rack for a torpedo, wherein an operating mechanism for sequentially releasing an electrically activated torpedo is protected from moisture, comprising; an inclined ramp from which the torpedo rolls by gravity into the sea, a hydraulically operated knife to sever an electrical control cable which activates the torpedo, cradle housings supporting the torpedo about a portion of the torpedo periphery, ieldable arcuate chocks simultaneously releasable and wedgedly retaining the torpedo on said ramp, a cam surface on the chocks, a chock release cam with radially extending arms, a first of said arms engaging the cam surface on the chock to thereby lock the chock in an upright position and prevent the torpedo from rolling down the ramp, a longitudinal shaft extending between the chocks parallel to the torpedo axis, a pinion mounted on said shaft to rotate the shaft, a scar mounted on the ends of said shaft operatively engaging said chock release cani to rotate said first arm on the release cam into the cam surface on the chock, a second arm on said release cam being engaged by the scar as the shaft is rotated counterclockwise for removing the first arm of the release cam from the cam surface on the chock, securing cables and a spring latch for retaining the torpedo in launching position on the ramp, a spring loaded cable release sleeve cooperatively engaging one end of a cable and said scar for locking into and releasing a cable from torpedo retaining condition, a spring loaded cable locking and tension assembly engaging the other end of the cable to tension the cable about the torpedo periphery when the cable release sleeve is engaging said cable, a rack slideably mounted for reciprocation, a pinion drivenly connected to said rack and drivingly connected to said shaft to thereby impart oscillatory motion to said sear, separate hydraulic means and manually operable means for linearly reciprocating said rack, bifurcated linkage for translating reciprocatory movement selectively from one of said means to the rack, said hydraulic means connecting one side of the bifurcated linkage to the rack, said manual means including a foot pedal release handle releasably engaging the other side of the bifurcated linkage and a foot treadle for reciprocating said other side of said linkage after the latter is disengaged by the foot pedal release handle.

2. For use in a launching rack for a torpedo wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp, cradle housings spaced along the ramp, spaced chocks pivotally wedged against the torpedo and cooperating with each cradle housing, a releasable cable encircling the torpedo at each cradle housing and chock position, a spring tension and locking device retaining the upward end of said cable and a spring loaded cable release sleeve releasably retaining the lower end of said cable, a release cam, a scar engaging the release cam and spring loaded cable release sleeve to lock said chock and said cable against the torpedo, an oscillatable shaft, said sear being atiixed to said shaft, means to oscillate said shaft and said sear thereby releasing the lower end of each of said cables simultaneously from the cable release sleeves individual thereto and releasing the chocks simultaneously from supporting the torpedo in timed sequence and permitting the torpedo to roll by gravity from the ramp into the sea.

3. `For use in a launching rack for a torpedo wherein van operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp, cradle housings spaced along the ramp to support the torpedo, a chock pivotally wedged against the torpedo, a releasable cable encircling the torpedo, a release cam, a spring loaded cable release sleeve retaining the cable, a sear arm engaging the release cam and the cable release sleeve to lock said chock and said cable against the torpedo, an oscillatable shaft, said sear arm being aixed to said shaft, and means to oscillate said shaft and said sear arm to thereby release the cable from said sleeve and release the chock supporting the torpedo in timed sequence to permit the torpedo to roll by gravity from the ramp into the sea.

4. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp, cradle housings spaced along the ramp to support a torpedo, a chock pivotally wedging against the torpedo periphery, a release cam, a sear arm engaging the release cam to lock said chock against the torpedo, an oscillatable shaft, said sear arm aixed to said shaft, and means to oscillate said shaft for disengaging the sear arm from the release cam and releasing the chock from the torpedo.

5. For use in a launching rack for a torpedo wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp, cradle housings spaced along the ramp to support a torpedo, a chock pivotally Wedging against the torpedo, a releasable cable encircling the torpedo, releasable locking means to support said chock and cable in position, and means for actuating said releasable locking means in timed sequence to thereby release the cable from about the torpedo and release the chock from supporting the torpedo.

6. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a discharge ramp, cradle housings spaced to support a torpedo, chocks Wedgedly securing the torpedo in the cradle housings, releasable securing cables for encircling the torpedo, and manual means for removing the chocks simultaneously and said cables simultaneously to thereby release the torpedo from the ramp.

7. In a'torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp, cradle housings spaced along the ramp to support a torpedo, a`

chock pivotally mounted for wedging against the torpedo periphery, releasable locking means for supporting said chock in position, and means for actuating said releasable locking means to thereby release the chock from supporting the torpedo.

8. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a discharge ramp, cradle housings spaced to support a torpedo, chocks wedgedly securing the torpedo in the cradle housings, releasable securing cables for encircling the torpedo, and an automatic releasing means for removing simultaneously said chocks and cables in timed sequence to thereby release the torpedo from the ramp.

9. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a discharge ramp, cradle housings spaced to support a torpedo, chocks for Wedgedly securing the torpedo in the cradle housings, releasable securing cables for encircling the torpedo, and

hydraulic means for removing said chocks and cables` in timed sequence'to thereby permit the torpedo to roll by gravity from the ramp into the sea.

10. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a discharge ramp, cradle housings spaced to support a torpedo, chocks wedgedly engaging the torpedo, and hydraulic means for actuating simultaneously said chocks to thereby release the torpedo from the ramp.

ll. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a discharge ramp, cradle housings spaced to support a torpedo, chocks wedgedly engaging the torpedo, and manual means for actuat 13. In a ltorpedo launching rack. wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp, cradle housings spaced along the ramp to support a torpedo, and releasable supporting means for retaining the torpedo Within the cradle housings on said ramp.

14. In a torpedo launching rack wherein an operating mechanism is protected from moisture, a ramp from which a torpedo may roll by gravity into the sea, and releasable supporting means remotely actuatable for maintaining the torpedo on the ramp.

15. A launching rack and mechanism for sequentially releasing a torpedo, which has been electrically activated through a control cable from a remote re control station, comprising; an inclined ramp, chocks wedgedly retaining the torpedo on the ramp, means for severing the 4torpedo control cable, and means for simultaneously releasing said `chocks from the torpedo retaining position to thereby enable the activated torpedo to roll unimpeded from the ramp into thesea.

16. A launching rack and mechanism for sequentially releasing a torpedo, which has been electrically activated 'through a control cable from a remote fire control station,

comprising; a ramp to supp-ort the torpedo, cradle hous- Iings secured to the ramp and partially encircling the torpedo, chocks for wedgedly retaining the torpedo on the ramp, cables releasably secured to the ramp for partially encircling the torpedo periphery, sequentially operated control cable severing means and cable and chock releasing means for releasing the torpedo from the rack permitting it to roll unimpeded into the sea.

17. The method of launching a naval torpedo from an inclined surface in a sequential timed relation, comprising the steps of, severing the torpedo from external electrical influences after the torpedo is electrically conditioned for service, and removing mechanical retaining lintluences simultaneously from beneath gthe torpedo thereby freeing the torpedo to roll by gravity from the inclined surface into the sea.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,387,124 Dennison e Oct. 16, 1945 

